Things To Do
The Duomo & Giotto’s Bell Tower
Florence’s iconic skyline is defined by the Duomo, officially known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. You can climb 450 steps to the top of the dome for breathtaking 360° views of the city. Right next to the Duomo is Giotto’s Bell Tower, a beautifully detailed structure that’s part of the same cathedral complex. You can also climb the bell tower for equally incredible views. Be aware that both climbs require reservations.
Uffizi Gallery
The world’s most important collection of Renaissance art. Home to Botticelli's "Birth of Venus", work by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and endless other masterpieces. Reservations highly recommended.
Accademia Gallery
Visit the infamous Michelangelo’s David at Galleria dell’Accademia. Reservations highly recommended.
Palazzo Pitti & Boboli Gardens
A grand Medici palace filled with royal apartments and art galleries, with vast Renaissance gardens behind it.
Museo Novecento
Modern Italian art in a beautiful piazza; perfect for a quicker cultural stop.
Ponte Vecchio
Walk the historic bridge and browse the jewelry shops.
Pasta making class at Cooking Art Brunelleschi
A highly recommended pasta-making class in Florence where you’ll make three different kinds of fresh pasta. Rachel, Paige, and Connie did this class and loved it. You can book through Viator (https://www.viator.com/tours/Florence/Cooking-Art-Brunelleschi/d519-212483P5) or on the website directly.
Florence Wine Windows (“Buchette del Vino”)
These tiny windows in palace walls were used in the 1600s to sell wine directly from producers. Today, a few have reopened and serve wine (or gelato) through the historic opening. To find them, look for small stone windows about the size of a letterbox.
Officina Profumo - Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
Browse this historic, museum-like boutique that offers exquisite, handcrafted perfumes, pot-pourri, and skincare and is widely considered the world's oldest pharmacy and perfumery.
Perfume workshop at AquaFlor
Craft your own signature scent at another historic Florentine perfumery.
Florentine paper workshop at Il Papiro
Learn marbling and book-binding using centuries-old techniques.
Sbrino Gelato
A must-visit gelato spot.
Vivoli
Gelato spot famous for its affogatos. Worth the wait! Closed on Mondays.
All’Antico Vinaio
The most famous sandwich shop in Florence — huge schiacciata sandwiches, bold flavors, very local. It always has a line, but it goes by quick. Panetteria e Stuzzicheria De Neri is also highly recommended for similar sandwiches (closed on Mondays).
Cibrèo Trattoria • Restaurant
Iconic restaurant with Tuscan comfort dishes.
La Giostra • Restaurant
Romantic and cozy restaurant, beloved by locals and visitors. Reservations recommended.
Regina Bistecca • Restaurant
Traditional Florentine steak experience.
Locale Firenze • Cocktail Bar
Spectacular interiors and exceptional cocktails.
Il Santino • Cocktail Bar
Tiny wine bar with good vibes and amazing charcuterie.
Manifattura • Cocktail Bar
Cool vintage vibe serving Italian spirits.
Rasputin • Cocktail Bar
Secret speakeasy. Ring the bell to enter.
La Terrazza, Hotel Continentale • Rooftop Bar
Chic atmosphere with a view of the Arno River.
COSIMO • Rooftop Bar
Elegant, panoramic spot; ideal for a sunset cocktail.
Divina Terrazza • Rooftop Bar
Breathtaking view of the Duomo